West Ham Manager Nuno Espirito Santo Implements Penalty Drills Ahead of FA Cup Clash
West Ham United's Portuguese manager, Nuno Espirito Santo, has revealed that his Premier League side are rigorously practising penalties in preparation for their FA Cup fifth-round tie against League One outfit Burton Albion. This proactive measure is designed to avert a potential giant-killing shock, following recent upsets in the competition.
Learning from Recent FA Cup Upsets
Espirito Santo's caution stems from dramatic results earlier in the tournament. His former club, Nottingham Forest, were eliminated by Wrexham via a penalty shootout in the third round. Similarly, holders Crystal Palace suffered a stunning defeat to Conference North side Macclesfield in the same Saturday lunchtime television slot that West Ham will occupy against Burton.
"I recall even last season, many of the rounds went to decide on penalties," Espirito Santo stated. "It shows how seriously we are taking the tie. Macclesfield beating Crystal Palace shows the quality that English football has."
Respecting the Opposition at Pirelli Stadium
The Hammers, currently battling to escape the Premier League relegation zone, face a Burton side sitting 21st in League One after five winless games. Despite the disparity in league positions, Espirito Santo, who previously visited the Pirelli Stadium with Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Championship, emphasised the challenge ahead.
"I've been there and I know what it is like and we must respect the opponent," he said. "That's why we are practising penalties already. We will practice both days before the game. It's a very important part of the competition."
He added specific concerns about Burton's threats, noting, "You look at the squad of Burton, there are some good players. And I'm worried about the throw-ins."
Team Selection and Goalkeeper Decision
Espirito Santo confirmed that goalkeeper Alphonse Areola will start against Burton, taking over from Mads Hermansen, who played in the last two Premier League matches. He clarified that this is a standard rotation for cup fixtures, not a rest for Hermansen.
"Normally the goalkeeper that's not been used in the Premier League plays the cup," the manager explained. "It's not a rest for Mads. It's a normal decision. Matt's not going to rest. He's going to travel, do his job and be ready if it's needed."
FA Cup as an Opportunity Amid League Struggles
West Ham's recent revival began with an extra-time victory over Queens Park Rangers in the third round, providing a boost as they sit three points from safety with twelve league games remaining. Espirito Santo views the FA Cup as a crucial platform for squad players to gain valuable minutes.
"The Cup is always a good chance for players that are not having too many minutes, to have a chance to play, improve, because you're going to need them further ahead," he said. "To play 90 minutes, to get game time in their legs, because you never know. Anything can happen when we need them."
He affirmed the club's commitment to the tournament, concluding, "It's an important competition for us that we respect. We're going to try and go through and take it day by day, see where the FA Cup leads us."
